While you’re visiting Myrtle Beach, SC, your itinerary must include Brookgreen Gardens! Myrtle Beach, being a busy coastal area, has a lot of natural places to explore, with Brookgreen Gardens being one of the area’s most beautiful places to visit. The 9 thousand acres of paradise tucked away in Murrells Inlet (about 45 minutes from Myrtle Beach) is a short drive from Myrtle Beach and is only a couple minutes from Huntington Beach State Park. Learn about some of our favorite things to do at this lovely garden, and why you should consider it during your next trip to the coast.
Thank you to the Visit Myrtle Beach and Brookgreen Gardens for inviting us to experience Brookgreen Gardens during our week stay at Myrtle Beach.
What’s there to do at Brookgreen Gardens: Myrtle Beach?
First, don’t allow the name to trick you into thinking that you will only experience a garden (though you will certainly stroll through plenty of beautiful gardens), this award-winning destination includes also a low country zoo, several children’s areas, a large sculpture collection, and more. Put on your walking shoes and sunscreen because you could easily spend the entire day exploring.
The Creek Excursion
We started our visit by heading to the Wall Lowcountry Center to purchase tickets for the Creek Excursion. This pontoon boat tour down the creek is not included in general admission but it’s priced very fairly. I’m so glad that we choose to go on the boat excursion because the tour guide shared a lot of interesting historical information about the rice plantations that were originally in the area and the various owners of the property.
We also saw several alligators and native birds. The pontoon boat is shaded too giving you a little break from the sun. Be sure you have your kids use the restroom before the boat ride as it is 45 minutes. Children old enough to enjoy the presentation or that don’t mind sitting quietly for longer periods of time will enjoy the ride best.
The Creek Excursions run from March through November each year.
Children’s Discovery Center
After we finished the boat ride, we headed back to the Wall Lowcountry Center where we discovered that the Children’s Discovery Center had opened for the day. This small room was stocked with fun activities for the kids including a dinosaur dig, a clay sculpture area, and an art station. It was also air-conditioned and had two rocking chairs. I imagine that in July, this is the most popular spot in the gardens for kids needing to cool off for a couple minutes.
Walk to the Lowcountry Zoo
You can either ride the trolley up to the Lowcountry Zoo or walk, but if it’s spring you should definitely choose to walk because you won’t want to miss the path framed by Azalea bushes and the many look out stations and trees that you will pass on the pathways.
There are complimentary strollers parked at the Wall Lowcountry Center if you have a little kid that tires quickly from walking. The strollers are quite large and our seven year old managed to cram herself in one.
Storybook Forest
Right before you reach the zoo, you will find the Storybook Forest which is a collection of play houses and structures painted and themed around fairy tale characters. There isn’t a lot of shade (despite it being a “forest”) but the kids didn’t seem to mind at all.
Lowcountry Zoo
The Lowcountry Zoo is not large but it’s perhaps one of the most relaxing zoos I’ve ever been in. The pathways were shaded and beautifully landscaped with plenty of shade and the animal exhibits mostly blended in very well with the native surroundings.
Inside the zoo, we walked close to herons, watched otters play, and saw an alligator. All of the animals in the zoo are native to the area and the raptor area is all rehabilitated birds that can not live in the wild. The zoo does offer free tours and activities depending on what time and day you visit. We also saw a butterfly house but it was not open during our visit.
Gardens
Of course, you cannot visit Brookgreen Gardens without seeing the famous gardens. They are quite large and varied. The azaleas were in bloom when we visited in early April and were absolutely beautiful. In the gardens, you will find not just flowers and fountains but also a large collection of around 2,000 pieces of art, mostly sculptures.
Tips for Visiting Brookgreen Gardens
We learned a couple things during our visit that I’m sure you will want to know:
The gardens are considered a National Historic Landmark, and has won countless awards because of the delightful combination of art, history, and nature.
There are plenty of bathrooms, but if you go on the Creek excursion like we did, make sure your kid goes to the bathroom FIRST. It’s 45 minutes which is plenty of time for a kid to go from “I need to go to the bathroom” to “it’s an emergency”.
Your ticket includes the entire gardens and zoo for 7 consecutive days. It’s quite a large area and there are several guided tours. Plan on eating while you are there. There are several restaurants onsite and there are lots of great spots to eat a picnic.
There are complimentary strollers (including “adult strollers”) which is really nice because there is a lot of walking.
Almost everything is outside so be sure to put on your sunscreen and bring a bottle of water.
Many of the sculptures have a fig leaf or less of clothing. Be prepared for your child to point this out loudly at the most inappropriate moments.
About Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Drive Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 www.brookgreen.org Hours: 9:30-5 every day (with extended hours during select periods of the year) Admission: Tickets are $22 for adults and children 4 – 12 years old are $12. Children under 4 are free, and seniors get a $5 discount.
Have you ever been to Brookgreen Gardens? What did you think?
If you have ever wanted a chance to let your kids be a medieval lord or lady for a night, you should consider reserving tickets for the dinner/show Medieval Times. Myrtle Beach is full of unique places to visit, and Medieval Times is one of the most creative and interesting experiences you’ll find. Here’s what to expect and also some key tips from our visit to help you have a fantastic experience.
Plan out your next epic vacation with our Guide to Myrtle Beach, SC, loaded with things to do, places to stay, places to eat, and more!
Thank you to Visit Myrtle Beach and Medieval Times for making it possible to write this review.
The Preshow and Souvenirs at Medieval Times Myrtle Beach
The doors open 75 minutes before the show and seating is first come, first serve. We arrived about an hour before the show started and while it did result in some of the best seats in the house, our children had trouble waiting until the show began. If you are craving those front-row seats, early arrival is key, but we recommend waiting if you have younger kids.
Upon arriving you will be given your seat ticket, officially crowned with a paper crown, and posed for a photo. My kids were especially impressed when they saw that we were entering a castle, complete with a drawbridge.
Be sure to have your children use the restroom right before the show as you won’t want to have to take them in and out during the action.
The Preshow
Before the show begins you can watch a pre-show where you can pay to be “knighted”, several gift shops, a bar, and a torture museum (additional fee). The show is around two hours, so if your kids are younger you may want to arrive closer to 20-30 minutes early if you don’t care about your seats.
Gift Shop
The gift shop has a number of interesting souvenirs such as light-up swords, costumes, and rather real looking weapons. You may want to consider budgeting for flags as your children can wave them during the show. The gift shop sells some really nice flags but we were also offered $3-5 pennants and flags once we were seated in the arena.
The Food at Medieval Times Myrtle Beach
Remember that the show is a big part of the evening, but my family did really enjoy the meal too. You will be served a four-course meal, which ours included tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, garlic bread, corn on the cob, herb basted potatoes, a dessert (it was pound cake our night), and Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, or water. Coffee is also on the menu, but it wasn’t offered to us the night we attended. You can substitute a vegetarian meal that includes items such as warm pita bread and humus, carrots and celery, three bean soup, and fruit which is a nice option.
The meal is served to you throughout the show so there is no customization available (other than the option to choose vegetarian), you will have no silverware (since you are in the Dark Ages), and there is just two rounds of drinks served. You can order additional drinks including non-alcoholic and kid-friendly drinks from the bartender who will visit your table before the show. They also have a full-service bar for adults who want a drink or two.
What Is The Show Like at Medieval Times?
The show is approximately 2 hours and includes horses, a falcon demonstration, a knight tournament, and then a battle between the knights to determine the victor. The different parts of the story are tied together through dialogue of the king, his daughter, and the herald who frequently address the audience. Our family had trouble understanding what was being said but we were still able to follow the general flow of the story.
Each family is seated in the arena and assigned a knight and team to cheer for. The show is very personable with the knights making eye contact directly to the people in their sections (or even sneering at the opposing sections). The knights are also awarded flowers from the princess throughout the night which they throw out to the children in their section.
My children seemed particularly captivated by the closeness and realism of the arena. In fact, my daughter kept blowing kisses to our knight after receiving a flower. All the seats are really quite good in the arena. But, you are a little closer to the knights and action if you have a front or second-row seat.
My kids favorite part was definitely the sword fighting at the end of the show. It was full of big clangs, sparks, and all sorts of weapons. There is no blood, but be prepared for your knight to die as only one will survive. I did read reviews online where some families felt like the fighting was inappropriate for small children, but I personally did not think that it was scary or particularly violent beyond being a sword fight.
Tips for Medieval Times
Gratuity is not included in your ticket price. Be sure to bring cash so that you can tip your server rather than tipping with your credit card. Even though the meal seems simpler than what you would experience at a regular restaurant, your server is having to carry massive trays (possibly a long distance) and be in character and costume during the entire evening. After some online research, we settled on $5/person which seems to be a common tip amount for the show.
Medieval Times is a show with horses and animals. So, don’t be surprised if you occasionally smell horses or see things that you would rather not during dinner. At least though your average kid thinks that horse poop during dinner is pretty funny. The arena is continually cleaned throughout the show.
If your kid needs to use the restroom at the end of the show (and it’s an “emergency”, of course), you might want to duck out right before the show officially ends. Lines for the restrooms can get quite long after the show.
You may be able to find deals on the Medieval Times website depending on when you are attending.
General Information
We attended the Medieval Times show in Myrtle Beach and had a great time. You can also find a show close to the Upstate in Atlanta, Georgia.
Have you experienced the overwhelming wonder of the Atlanta Georgia Aquarium? It is truly awe-inspiring, being the largest aquarium in the US! We were able to visit with the Georgia Aquarium Residence Pass, however, you can visit any time by purchasing a day pass. Find everything you need, including Georgia Aquarium reviews, photos, and even parking and hotel information, so you can make your trip an epic adventure.
Where to Stay Near the Georgia Aquarium
Planning an overnight trip? Use the map below to find the perfect lodging near the Georgia Aquarium. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when booking through the map and links in this section.
During a previous visit, we stayed at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, which we recommended because of the hotel’s great location and comfort. Another great option is Home 2 Suites Midtown. The CNN Tower, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Park, the Peachtree Center and a new Ferris wheel attraction are all located within easy walking distance of both of these hotels.
Watch! Our Visit to the Biggest Aquarium in the US!
Our Day Trip to Georgia Aquarium
For our day trip to the Georgia Aquarium, we brought along our five-year-old and two-year-old, because we knew this would be a fantastic memory for them. We purchased our tickets ahead of time with our residence pass, but you can purchase tickets in advance for cheaper than same day tickets through the online portal! Ticket prices for pre-booked dates start at $39.99, but ticket prices fluctuate depending on the day you want to attend, if it’s a holiday or weekend, or if they anticipate large crowds, so keep that in mind!
We also made reservations for the dolphin show and the sea lion show on the same day as our visit. If you are looking to do these two free shows or any backstage events, make sure to pencil those in when figuring out how long you want to stay at the aquarium!
What is at the Georgia Aquarium?
Being the largest aquarium in the US means there is A LOT to explore. You’ll want to carve out at least two to three hours of your day to experience everything, but you could honestly spend longer here. When you arrive at the aquarium, you first will be asked to take a photo by staff that you can later purchase as a souvenir. Then, you’ll immediately follow a quarridore that is lined with a wall of glowing jellyfish! My kids were just ecstatic to see them glowing purple, bouncing around the elongated tank. It was the perfect start to our visit. Finally, you’ll have your tickets scanned at the entrance of the large atrium.
Galleries and Exhibits: Georgia Aquarium
Now, the hard part is usually figuring out what you want to see first! There are 8 major galleries at the Georgia Aquarium, and each is sectioned by theme. So, what animals can you see at the Georgia Aquarium? Over 500 species and over 1 million animals to explore! They have sharks, penguins, beluga whales, dolphins, and even massive whale sharks. It’s not just another aquarium. It’s like stepping into another world. And if you think that sounds melodramatic, consider some of these stats:
With more than 600,000 square feet and 10 million gallons of fresh and salt water, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the United States.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is the largest indoor fish habitat in the United States. It measures 284 feet long by 126 feet wide by 30 feet deep. It contains 6.3 million gallons of water.
The viewing window into the whale shark exhibit measures 60 feet long by 27 feet high.
When we arrived in the huge atrium, we decided to work our way clockwise through the galleries so we wouldn’t miss anything. We started at SHARKS! Predators of the Deep, which was my daughter’s absolute favorite. There were tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, and a sand tiger shark that swam around the 1.2 million gallon tank and through the circling false pilchard fishes. We even saw a hammerhead shark going into the circling and trying to catch one, which we were told was because of electromagnetic signals being released from one of the false pilchards that was older or sick.
Before our scheduled show at Dolphin Coast, We worked our way through the several exhibits on the bottom floor, which took us a little over an hour. You’ll want extended time at the Ocean Voyager Built by Home Depot exhibit. Here, you can ride down a conveyor belt under a 100-foot tunnel. This part is exciting, but make sure little feet stay off the edges of the belt so they do not fall. You can choose to walk beside it as well, which is nice if you want to stop and take a closer look at the rays and fish swimming overhead.
The epic part of Ocean Voyager is the large seating area you’ll find toward the end of the gallery. You can lounge on the stairs under the glow of the huge aquarium, watching the whale sharks swim by. This is a great place to park it for a little bit after a long day of walking around. We sat here for almost 20 minutes listening to the presenter give us facts about what is inside the tank, while also playing a game of who could spot Gulper.
Here is a full list of the exhibits and key features at the Georgia Aquarium, so you can decide where to start!
Aquanaut Adventure– Newer exhibit with alligators, lizards, eels, and a Discovery Zone touch pool
Cold Water Quest – Home to beluga whales, sea otters, African penguins, Pacific octopus, and more.
Dolphin Coast – Dolphins (including the theatre), spoonbill, spiny lobster, and scarlet ibis.
Ocean Voyager– The largest exhibit, offers whale sharks, rays, sharks, tons of fish, and a place to relax.
Predators of the Deep– A variety of sharks with large glass walls to observe from different angles.
Tropical Diver– Coral reef exhibit and gorgeous marine life display.
Truist Peer 225– Arcade, animatronics, and the sea lion show!
Live Shows
Georgia Aquarium Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Presentation
One wonderful thing about the aquarium is that you can get up close and personal with many of the animals, all included in your admission ticket! We had such a fun time at the dolphin and sea lion shows, which are free and run at various times throughout the day.
My 5-year-old and I opted to sit in the splash seats for both shows, and we were giggling the entire time waiting to get splashed, especially when the dolphins sent a wave of water right at us. But don’t worry, the majority of the seats are out of the splash zone.
During both shows, we learned about how they train the animals and what the animals are like in the wild, and we saw a spectacular showcase of their skills. During the sea lion show, we sat closest to Katie, the oldest sea lion resident and watched her and her trainer show off their dancing skills and tricks. My two-year-old was squealing when each sea lion showed off how loud they could be, it was hilarious!
Both the dolphin show and the sea lion show take about 15-20 minutes each, so make sure your little ones go to the bathroom ahead of time so you do not lose your seats. You will also want to arrive about 10 minutes early to get the best seats, they fill up very quickly!
You will want to make reservations the day of to confirm seats for the Dolphin Coast dolphin show and the sea lion show, though they are free to attend.
Quick Facts: Things to Know Before Your Visit
Hours of Operation
The Georgia Aquarium is open year-round, but hours do vary. Visit the aquarium website for specific hours on the day you plan to visit. You are welcome to leave the aquarium after you enter, just make sure you get your arm stamped at the customer service counter before you leave.
Georgia Aquarium Tickets
Ticket Prices
The aquarium uses a timed ticketing system, which means you will be given a time at which you can enter the aquarium. This keeps the facility from becoming overcrowded. Tickets cost more at peak times like weekends and holidays. Be sure to check the website for the date you plan to visit.
General Admission Tickets
When you purchase tickets ahead of time, you get a discount, so remember that! Ticket prices vary by the day you want to attend with the lowest, least busy days having $39.99 admission tickets. You can purchase most Plan Ahead and Save tickets for $39.99, or purchase Anytime General Admission tickets for $64.99. We recommend purchasing ahead of time and looking at their booking calendar to get the best price. You can also purchase an annual membership if you plan to visit more than once.
If you want to do special animal encounters or events, you can purchase tickets to those ahead of time. They do sell out sometimes because of limited ticket availability, so book early. Prices for animal encounters start at $80 per person, and there are age restrictions.
Georgia Aquarium Parking
Parking is available in the attached parking deck and costs $20 per day. The World of Coca-Cola and CNN Tower are within walking distance, so you could plan an entire day of attractions for one parking price. There’s also a nice playground area in Centennial Olympic Park if the kids just need some downtime.
Coastline Cafe: Cafe at the Aquarium
On the second floor you’ll find the new Coastline Cafe, where you can dine in. Most of the food is American food, like chicken nuggets and burgers. It can be pretty expensive to dine here, so we chose to bring along sandwiches to enjoy during our break outdoors on the grass between World of Coca-Cola and the aquarium.
Wheelchairs, Strollers, and Babies
The entire aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible. However, strollers are NOT permitted in the Dolphin Coast theater. There is a “stroller parking” area available for use during the show.
You’ll find a private nursing pod for mothers available on the second floor.
Sensory bags are also available at Guest Services if you would like them for you or your child.
Restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium
You are able to leave the aquarium and come back, so why not check out some of the best restaurants near the Georgia Aquarium that are within walking distance? The Atlanta Breakfast Club is just down the street, and has some of the best Southern breakfast food around! Have a kid who will only eat pizza? Then Head to Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. They have delicious pizza, plus vegetarian and vegan options. You will not want to miss out on the crispy chicken and fries from Rocks!
Tips for visiting the Georgia Aquarium
Bring a stroller or carrier if you have little ones, because there is a lot of walking involved.
Be sure to reserve a dolphin show or sea lion show, it is worth it and great for younger kids.
Pack your lunch and leave it in a cooler in the car to save some money.
If you want to leave and come back to the aquarium, be sure to get your hand stamped.
Don’t forget to use your Georgia Aquarium military discount on their Military Free Days to get free entry and 30% off for your family!
The gift shop has some great stuff, and you have to exit through it, so make sure to budget for a souvenir. Pro gift shop tip: Collect something small from gift shops you visit throughout all your travels like a magnet, postcard, or Christmas Tree ornament. Everyone in your family will know they are on the hunt for the perfect item to add to that collection and you’ll stay far away from the expensive toys, stuffed animals, and apparel.
My Honest Opinion of the Georgia Aquarium: Review
The Georgia Aquarium as a mom of two young kids is so worth it! There is so much to do and see that the trip is absolutely a core memory maker. There are animals at the Georgia Aquarium that you will most likely never see in your lifetime. Plus, the vast amount of scientific research and conservation efforts that is conducted is helping us learn more about these animals to aid in reversing their wild population decline. My kids were in awe, and so was I.
The aquarium staff are friendly and helpful, and we had zero issues throughout the entire day there. It’s a great family vacation idea, because the city of Atlanta has so much to offer. It is worth the 2.5-hour drive from Greenville, SC, and makes the perfect day trip!
Plan your own visit!
Georgia Aquarium 225 Baker Street NW Atlanta, GA 30313 404.581.4000
What was your family’s favorite part of the Georgia Aquarium?
There’s a lot more to do in Atlanta! Check it out!
Do you have a family adventure to Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta, GA planned for this summer? We checked it out to create this Six Flags Over Georgia review, and we have all the information you need to have a fun day there with your family. Complimentary tickets were provided for this review.
Six Flags Over Georgia is one of the few theme parks not far from Greenville, SC that provides thrilling rides with heart-pounding excitement mixed with more gentle rides for smaller kids, concessions, events, and shows. Here’s what you need to know when planning a trip there with your family. This review is a compilation of two trips to Six Flags Over Georgia.
Use the map below to find great lodging near Six Flags Over Georgia. Through an affiliate relationship with Stay22, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
Watch! The sights & sounds of Six Flags Over Georgia
About Six Flags Over Georgia
The theme park is located a little less than three hours from the Upstate, depending on traffic, in the Atlanta metro area. It’s a massive park with 40+ rides. Hurricane Harbor is the water park inside of Six Flags Over Georgia that opens Memorial Day weekend.
Like other theme parks, Six Flags Over Georgia offers a Flash Pass, a way to get to do more rides without waiting in lines. These are add-ons to your one-day ticket and start at $60.
Getting to Six Flags Over Georgia
The first thing to remember about Six Flags Over Georgia is that it is basically in Atlanta, which means traffic. We suggest getting there a little before the park opens so you have enough time to get on the rides on you want. If you’re doing this as a day trip, you need to allow around 3-3.5 hours to get there.
We followed the directions from the Six Flags site; and they recommend taking 85S to 285W, then 20W, which takes you right to the park. Make use of your GSP though in case of backups and look at alternate routes. And bring your patience.
Parking at Six Flag Over Georgia
Parking was a breeze. There are multiple ticket booths where you can have your parking pass scanned or purchase parking. We recommend purchasing parking beforehand just to save time. They do offer Speedy Parking and Preferred Parking for an extra fee. The lot is large but there is zero shade so be sure to bring one of those reflector things for your car if you don’t want to open an oven when you get back. And pay attention to where you park so you can find your car after a long day of coasters.
Sky Screamer at Six Flags Over Georgia
There are also three tram pick-up locations in the parking lots that will shuttle you to the front entrance. We walked from Lot 1 and were to the entrance before people that we saw waiting for the tram. De[ending on where you park, it’s not a long walk.
Be sure to have your tickets ready to be scanned for easy entrance. It is a thousand times easier to buy tickets beforehand and have them on your phone than it is to wait in the Will Call/Ticket line. We went in the early afternoon and the line took a really long time, almost 30 minutes.
Plan of Attack for Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
We recommend downloading the Six Flags Over Georgia app because it’s awesome. You can easily pull up locations of rides, shopping, and dining options. You can see how tall you must be to ride the rides and the wait times for each ride. There’s also a really handy map, which had a blue dot so you can see where you are in relation to where you want to be.
If you have more than a few people in your family, look at the app before you go or the Six Flags website to figure out what rides you want to ride on and height requirements and make a list of the ones you really want to do and go to those first. We found that the longer we were at Six Flags, the longer the wait times were. There are also screens around the park to check the wait times.
Great American Scream Machine
Also, look at a map beforehand because you’ll need it when you try to figure out which rides to go on and where they are in relation to the other rides you don’t want to miss. Also, check out the app to see if any rides are closed.
The Food at Six Flags Over Georgia
Six Flags offers different Dining Passes that you can add onto your tickets, which I honestly love. I think these are just good options when it comes to planning out your day if its in your budget. The 2024 Dining Pass options are: One Meal/One Snack/One Beverage is $20.99/person and the Unlimited All Day Dining Deal where you get one meal of your choice every 90 minutes and get an All Day Drink Bottle is $44.99/person.
They also offer a one day drink bottle with unlimited refills for $19.99/each. If you want to do this option, go right when the park opens or you get there otherwise you could end up waiting in long lines or wandering around for a long time trying to find someplace that isn’t sold out of them. Honestly, this is the clincher because Georgia summers are dreadfully hot and we saw no water fountains. I even brought refillable water bottles in my tiny bag for that purpose but didn’t see anywhere were I could fill them. That refillable day bottle is worth it.
There are a lot of different options for dining like taverns, cheesesteaks, burgers, BBQ, a even a diner. Try to go on off times, like not right at Noon or 1pm for lunch because lines are long. And look at the festivals they offer every year where you can try different food, like Brews & Bites every weekend April 20-May 19, 2024.
Also, try to plan your food adventures around your most thrilling rides. For example, maybe do the more heart-pounding in the morning before you go eat a chili cheese dog for lunch. Just a thought.
If you want to bring a lunch to eat in your car to save money, you can definitely do that. Be sure to get a re-entry wristband on your way out so you can get back in.
Rides at Six Flags Over Georgia
I have one more adventurous daughter and another more timid one when it comes to roller coasters, which certainly made the day challenging. We ended up riding a fun, smaller roller coaster, the Dahlonega Mine Train. It’s a good intro into the faster rides and is perfect for younger kids who are not quite ready to try the big ones, and has a height requirement of 42 inches.
We also rode the country cars, which I let my youngest drive. Of course, driving any car for kids is going to be fun. There are so many fantastic roller coasters that I wanted to really get in on the scream fest but will have to wait for another time!
Six Flags Over Georgia car ride
I’m a complete adrenaline junkie when it comes to roller coasters and have not met a roller coaster I didn’t love. The ones I really wanted to try were: Goliath, Superman, Georgia Scorcher, Batman, and Twisted Cyclone. Most of these had long, long waits – around 60 minutes at minimum – by the afternoon on a Saturday. This is why you need to plan what you want to really want to ride on and go there first unless you can swing a Flash Pass.
There are lots of great kid-focused rides like smaller Ferris Wheel-types, swings, and a beautiful carousel. Monster Mansion is a great one because the dark boat ride is a nice break out of the heat.
Water Park at Six Flags Over Georgia
At Hurricane Harbor, the water park found inside Six Flags Over Georgia, we rented a large locker. There are small, large, and jumbo, with the bigger the locker, the higher the cost. Then we headed for the wave pool to cool off. There are plenty of life jackets for kids that may need them and they have multiple sizes. My son had a great time in the wave pool, but the large Paradise Island structure was calling his name, and we went there to watch him play.
Now, anyone that has lived around this area for a while knows that the weather is very unpredictable in the early evening hours. And while the entire day had been virtually cloudless to this point, all of a sudden a thunderstorm came through. The water park was immediately shut down, so we changed back into our regular clothes.
Unfortunately, in the time, we were changing a severe storm warning was issued, and all of the rides in the park were turned off. We quickly left the water park area and stopped in a t-shirt shop for about 15 minutes. When the weather broke, we took off again, and got ice cream while the rain started again.
Ultimately it was getting rather on into the evening, with no indication that rides would start up again anytime soon. From the time they shut down the water park at 5 pm, and we got back to our car at 6:30 pm, no rides were running. It was a nice cool down, though.
Six Flags Over Georgia’s rain policy according to their website is: “There are still a ton of activities that are amazingly fun in any kind of weather––including indoor shows, restaurants, shops, games, and arcades. If rain, wind, or electrical storms force us to close certain rides for your safety, they will re-open as soon as safe operations can be assured. Refunds or rain checks for inclement weather are not offered.”
So, our day was cut somewhat short. We had a great time prior to the storm, and my son said he really liked Six Flags a lot. I think we will probably wait until he’s a bit older to go again, however, as the biggest attractions at Six Flags Over Georgia are the roller coasters. There are a lot of them.
Parent Tips: Six Flags Over Georgia
While we mentioned many tips in this story, here are a few others:
Bring/ear sun protection. It’s hot and you’ll get sunburned if you don’t have sunscreen or rain protection.
Download the Six Flags Over Georgia app for helpful info on rides, wait times, and a map.
The park is huge so plan which rides you want to go on and do them first. If you can afford it, get a FLASH Pass so you can enjoy even more rides.
Get the refillable water bottle. Dehydration is not fun.
While the park does have a lot of kid and family-focused rides, I think it’s best for kids closer to age 10 and up who love adventure and roller coasters. For most of more moderately intense rides, kids need to be at 48 inches for the medium coasters and 54 inches for the bigger ones.
Go early! Plan to spend the day there if it’s a day trip and leave the Upstate early.
If your kid wants to see some Looney Tunes characters, be sure to check the schedule of appearances when you get there.
Get tickets ahead of time online. You’ll save both time and money.
Look at the dress code before you go, especially for the waterpark: “All guests must wear proper attire, such as bathing suits or board shorts. Thongs, G-strings, or transparent swimwear are not permitted.”
You can bring bags and small backpacks into the park but not on the rides. You can either get a locker for a fee or leave them on the platform.
Visit Six Flags Over Georgia
Tickets start at $42 online (or $79.99 at the gate) and change depending on the date you want to go. It’s absolutely better to get the tickets online versus when you go. You can purchase a refillable water bottle, FLASH passes, and parking ($35+) online as well when you purchase your ticket.
Season passes start at $49/person. If you go more than once, a season pass is certainly a good deal, especially if you purchase the Platinum Level ($95/person), which includes parking.
Looking for amazing cakes in Greenville, SC?The art of cake decorating and baking is often harder than it looks. Great bakers, make the process seem effortless, and that misconception has led to many a reality show. Just like on the show “Nailed It”, oftentimes even bakers can misjudge the difficulty of a cake’s design. That’s when reliable recommendations and photos of past work become so important. We have a list of bakeries in Greenville our readers have recommended.
Oftentimes, the decorating of a cake can be just as difficult as saying no to orders, you aren’t sure you can pull off. If I sound like I know, it’s because I spent several years working in a bakery, and know-how important cakes can be to a milestone event. Check out these awesome local bakeries that will make your guest’s mouths water, and your photos the envy of everyone on Instagram!
If the idea of touring the Biltmore Estate in Asheville with your kids sounds daunting, have no fear. We lay out all kinds of things you can do at the estate – most of them don’t even involve visiting the house itself. I’ve been several times and had so many questions initially, but every time I’ve gone, I learn more and explore more of the 8,000+ acres – and fall in love with the Biltmore just a bit more.
Have you ever daydreamed of visiting a real-life castle? Touring the halls and stately rooms, being transported to a different time and place, experiencing the luxurious life? How about touring the castle vineyard, visiting the stables, exploring the renowned gardens? Well, you don’t have to hop on a plane for Europe to set your eyes upon gargoyles and ball gowns, just head to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, a picturesque castle with over 8,000 acres, 250 rooms, and a hundred years of history.
Regardless of whether you are a pass holder or visiting for the day, if you want to tour the house, you need to reserve a time online. Be sure to print out your confirmation email, since you’ll need to show the staff before they let you in. And get there at least 45 minutes before your scheduled tour time to allow for parking and either taking a shuttle to the house or walking over via the trails.
Is Biltmore Worth It?
Many parents ask if taking the kids through the house is worth it, which is a valid question. If you don’t reserve a guided tour (an extra cost), you’ll automatically be doing the self-guided tour, which you can go at your own pace but will be following a crowd. Even though the house is just stunning and seeing the grandeur of the rooms is amazing, some kids will be bored. And if you have little kids, you need to keep them with you and not let them run behind the roped-off sections.
I first took my kids to the house when they were 7 and 3 and we didn’t make it through the whole tour because one of them needed to use the restroom – which you must do before you enter the house as there are no bathrooms inside for guests. Bathrooms are located near the Stable Cafe to the right of the house outdoors.
The second time we went was a couple of years later and we got through most of the house, maybe because it was Christmastime and the decorations were mesmerizing. Now, my kids are 9 and 13 and we go every Christmas and they truly enjoy it.
The Biltmore offers an audio tour ($15) for kids, narrated by the Vanderbilt’s dog, Cedric, which they may find entertaining.
Either way, be prepared to bail if you need to. There’s a lot to do on the estate besides the house, no matter how gorgeous it is. The Biltmore ticket system requires you to choose a House ticket or a Grounds & Gardens ticket. The House ticket includes the Grounds but a Grounds & Gardens ticket does not include the House tour.
Biltmore Gardens
I’ve taken so many walks through the Biltmore Gardens and just can’t get enough. They were designed by the father of modern-day landscaping, Frederick Law Olmstead, and are breathtaking.
I thought Spring was my favorite season there as the tulips and daffodils light up the pathways. Then I thought early summer was my favorite because of the beautiful rose garden and azalea garden. Then I decided Fall was my favorite because of the colorful mums that were planted in mesmerizing patterns.
Biltmore sunflowers
But after I took walks and bike rides along the sunflower fields near Antler Hill Village in the late summer and early Fall, I just figured I’d get a season pass so I could visit whenever I wanted.
I can’t decide on when all the flowers are the most gorgeous so you’ll just have to go for yourself to see them.
Your House and Grounds & Gardens tickets both include access to the gardens, the walking trails, and the Conservatory. You don’t need a reserved time to walk through the gardens, you just go when you want.
Antler Hill Village: Biltmore with Kids
Antler Hill Village is my favorite place at the Biltmore Estate because it’s filled with lots of kid-friendly things to do and it’s all included with admission.
The Farmyard is a small farm area where kids are welcome to pet the animals. They have goats (baby goats come March of every year!), chickens, horses, and pigs. On some occasions, they have had border collie sheep herding demonstrations, which are fun to watch.
Next to the farm is the Pisgah Playground, a big play area with swings, slides, and climbing structures. It’s a great place to let the kids enjoy a beautiful day outside.
And up the hill a little ways from the playground is the Antler Hill Barn where craft demonstrations take place every Thursday-Sunday. I love this area as the staff are so kind and engaging with the kids. There is also a little cafe with beer and wine so I’ve had a beer while watching my kids do crafts or play there. It’s a perfect place to relax. There are also restrooms at the barn.
You can also pick up several hiking trails at Antler Hill Village right behind the barn and wander past the fields with cows and pens with goats. Grab a map at the Outdoor Center near the barn.
Also in Antler Hill Village is the Winery. We’ve actually done grape-stomping there before, which was a blast. From the village, you enter the winery in the main square and get to walk through an underground tunnel to get to the tasting room and shopping area. Adults are welcome to do a complimentary wine tasting and kids can tag along and have grape juice. The servers are generous with the wine samples so take that into consideration when figuring out the best time to go!
Get Your Adventure On
The French Broad River runs right through the estate, which makes for great rafting trips. It’s a wide river with few rapids, which makes it perfect for families. The rafting trip is about two hours long and costs $50/person.
If horseback riding is on your to-do list, the Biltmore also offers guided tours of 1-10 people with a two-day advance registration. Ages 8 and up are welcome to do this activity and it costs $135/person for an hour ride through the estate.
You probably won’t be surprised the Biltmore offers carriage rides through the estate. A 60-minute carriage ride is offered Friday through Sunday and takes guests around the beautiful estate and house. Cost is $95/person and one child 5 years and younger is free per paying adult.
Fall at the Biltmore
There are more than 20 miles of biking trails at the Biltmore Estate, which run all throughout Antler Village and up to the house. You can either rent bikes ($20/bike for two hours) at the Bike Barn, which is open daily dependent on weather, or bring your own bikes and ride them at your leisure. I’ve brought my kids’ scooters and bikes and we rode the trails from Antler Hill up to the house, to the Gardens, and to the pond, and had so much fun.
The two-hour kids fly fishing lesson is at the top of my list at the Biltmore. I really want to learn how to do this and would love for my kids to have instruction (since I know nothing about it). For a private lesson at the Biltmore, it will cost you $125 per kid.
Dining with Kids at the Estate
There are several dining options at the Biltmore. The Stable Cafe right at the main house has a selection of comfort food that’s easy to grab and eat. Families also love Cedric’s Tavern in Antler Hill Village, which has typical pub fare. Consider making reservations at the sit-down places to get your preferred time.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, the Inn has Afternoon Tea, where they serve a delightful mix of sweet and savory treats, tea, and fine cheese. Prices currently are $75/person.
Antler Hill Village also has a confectionery and creamery, where you can’t possibly make a bad decision. My kids and I try to make a stop here just for their ice cream.
Also feel free to bring your own lunch or picnic and eat at the covered tables in Antler Hill Village or at any number of the beautiful open spaces around the estate.
Seasonal Fun & Exhibits
I’ve gotten to see some pretty neat exhibits at the Biltmore like the Titanic exhibit with so many of Kate Winslet’s dresses [insert completely excited face here], a fantastic train exhibit, Christmas at the Biltmore, and Chihuly at Biltmore. These special events and exhibits are incredibly well done and worth a visit.
Christmas at the Biltmore
I have started taking my daughters every year to tour the House during Christmastime because it is so beautiful. We really love checking out the 50+ Christmas trees in the House and seeing the decorations.
They are decorated in the most delicate of glass ornaments, and most likely not shatter-proof. We admired the gorgeous velvet ribbons carefully wrinkled at the right places seemingly mimicking the damask finery found in the guest rooms.
My personal favorite was a tree on the second floor, close to the Louis XV suite. Beneath the tree, a vignette of vintage toys were carefully assembled to stir any child’s imagination of toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies. Perhaps its proximity to the room where Cornelia Vanderbilt was born, was the reason for the child-friendly tree. It was a good reminder that a family once lived in this beautiful home.
The spots for the Christmas House tours usually go fast so you’ll need to reserve your preferred time and date online. They also have wildly popular candlelight tours, which I have yet to do, but would love to take in that experience sometime. Christmas at the Biltmore runs from November 2, 2024 through January 5, 2025.
Chihuly at Biltmore
Watch! Our Visit to Chihuly Was GORGEOUS
Chihuly at Biltmore is an incredible collection of blown glass art from Dale Chihuly. The Biltmore has collaborated with him in the past, placing several of his gorgeous pieces around the estate in 2018. This time, his work is featured in seven galleries at Amherst in Deerpark near Antler Hill Village. The exhibit runs March 25, 2024 through January 5, 2025.
Chihuly at Biltmore
We got to go through it and take a tour with representatives from the Biltmore and Dale Chihuly’s studio, which was completely fascinating as we learned how the exhibit came about and the unbelievable preparations for it to be held in that location. The exhibit is extraordinarily unique with 33 pieces that include thousands of smaller pieces of blown glass. The creations don’t even seem real.
Chihuly has a background in weaving, which he somehow used in several of his pieces that were inspired by Native American art, which you’ll see in the second gallery. Be sure to watch the short movie about Chihuly before you head to the galleries and read the plaques because they are fascinating.
Chihuly’s knowledge of how how light interacts with glass is on display throughout the exhibit but especially in the room with the Parisian ceiling. The art is above you and the light is reflected through all of those pieces to create art on the surrounding white walls. You’ll feel transported to another world.
Chihuly at Biltmore
I kept staring at the chandelier pieces in the room next to the one with the Parisian ceiling trying to figure out how Chihuly put them together and created the nuances in color in the glass. I can’t even wrap my head around it.
The next gallery features a garden of glass flowers that looks like it is floating on water. It’s called the Millie Fiori, thousand flowers, and I advise just taking your time in here, walking around the piece and looking at every detail. Chihuly was inspired by his mother’s garden and this specific composition was designed and created specifically for the Biltmore.
Chihuly at Biltmore
The last gallery is a neon glass gallery that was inspired by tumbleweeds. It’s so unexpected because it’s not as colorful as his other pieces yet somehow flows well in the entire exhibit. The pieces are anchored in sycamore trees.
By the time we exited the gallery, I think my head was spinning (in a good way). I love art and especially glass blowing but Chihuly at Biltmore was a whole other level. His art almost cleared my head and became therapeutic because all I could consider was the beauty and awe of it. I’m grateful for the partnership the Biltmore and Dale Chihuly forged in order to bring the exhibit here. I wish I could afford even a small piece of Chihuly’s art, which you can absolutely buy in the gift shop if you’ve got the funds!
One thing to mention if you plan to bring your kids is that Chihuly designs his pieces to be see up close and enjoyed by all, which means there are no barriers around any of his art. So, parents, watch your kids closely.
Your entry ticket or annual pass does not include entry to Chihuly at Biltmore. Ticket prices are:
March 25–May 23, 2024: Starting at $125
May 24–November 1, 2024: Starting at $115
November 2, 2024–January 5, 2025: Starting at $145
$30/adult and $15/kids for pass holders
The entire exhibit is wheelchair and stroller-accessible. Plan to spend about an hour inside the exhibit galleries.
Need-to-Know Tips for Visiting Biltmore Estate
Plan to spend the day
There is plenty to see (or cut short if need be), but it would be awful to feel rushed. Many of the kid attractions close at 5 pm.
Getting around can take some time
You can drive to the Biltmore House and park in one of the several lots. Lot A is about an eight-minute walk to the house while the other lots are further away. There are shuttles to take you to the house and to Antler Hill Village. You can also take shuttles – which come about every 20 minutes – from the house to Antler Hill Village.
The Deerpark Trail from Antler Hill to the house is around three miles. You can also drive to Antler Hill and walk to the house or take the shuttle. There is a parking lot near the lagoon and trail as well if you want to park there and walk the 1.5 miles to Antler Hill or up the hill to the house and come out on the side near the gardens.
Free things to do at Biltmore
While you need a ticket to get into the Biltmore, there are lots of free things to do once there: bring your bikes and bike the trails, take a walk amongst the gardens and sunflowers, visit the Conservatory, visit the Farmyard, play on the Pisgah Playground, do a wine tasting, make a craft at the Antler Hill Barn.
Less lines mean happy kids. (Kids 16 and under are free during the summer. The rest of the year, kids 9 and younger are free.) Ticket prices start at $95 and vary depending on season. Read on to learn about the annual pass and saving money.
Bring your stroller/backpack
Strollers and backpack carriers are welcome. You will want to stick with a carrier in the house as some of the areas are difficult to navigate with a stroller.
As part of the Biltmore bag policy no backpacks are allowed on any guided tour.
Wear your walking shoes
Put everyone in comfy walking shoes and put on sunscreen as exploring the grounds is one of the best parts of the trip.
Think about getting an annual pass
An annual pass is usually $249/person and kids ages 16 and younger get in free with a passholder. They usually offer discounts on their annual pass in November (that’s when I got mine for a lot less than $249). Stay tuned to their social media and website to score a deal.
Passholder benefits are awesome, too – discounts on tickets for guests, discounts on tours, shopping, dining, and lodging, and discounts at other attractions like Chimney Rock State Park, Dollywood, Tweetsie Railroad, Mast General Store, and Grandfather Mountain.
Thinking about making atrip to Charleston, SC to visit the South Carolina Aquarium? We were able to experience all the SC Aquarium has to offer and we’re ready to share it with you! If you’re looking for South Carolina Aquarium reviews or information on how to plan your visit, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got all the info you need to plan your trip and have a blast with your family at the aquarium.
Thank you to the South Carolina Aquarium for providing media tickets for our review. All opinions are genuine and those of our team member.
Scenes from the South Carolina Aquarium
About the South Carolina Aquarium
In 2019, the SC Aquarium was one of ten recipients of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor for an aquarium to receive. They received it “not for having a massive living collection of exotic species from around the world, but for keeping its collection’s focus local.” This focus is entirely evident as soon as you step foot into the Aquarium.
If someone asked me what the focus of the Aquarium is, I’d tell them conservation and education. It is easy to see how dedicated this nonprofit is to educating the public on the local species right there in Charleston and throughout the state as well as ways to conserve the beautiful animals you’ll see.
Bald eagle at the SC Aquarium
My favorite parts of the Aquarium were the two interactive talks given by the volunteers and staff at the Aquarium, which I’ll tell you about shortly. When you visit the beautiful Aquarium, you will no doubt walk away with a greater appreciation for the different climates and environments of South Carolina as well as the incredible work being done by the Aquarium in areas of conservation and the treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtles.
The Exhibits at the SC Aquarium
The South Carolina Aquarium is the perfect sized-aquarium for really getting to understand the different exhibits and spending time learning about sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, river otters, and even the resident bald eagle, Liberty. My daughters and I took our time going through the exhibits and attending the two educational talks and in total, spent about two hours there. We probably could have stayed longer if we had a snack at the Sea Turtle Snack Bar or fed the stingrays!
Spoonbill at the SC Aquarium
There are two public floors to the aquarium: the first floor houses the sea turtle hospital, the stingray touch tank, the gorgeous balcony overlooking the USS Yorktown and the Ravenel Bridge, and the bottom level of the Great Ocean Tank. The upper level has the kids play area, the salt marsh exhibit, the jelly fish, the mountains to Piedmont exhibits, and the upper viewing area of the giant tank.
There are many hands-on exhibits all throughout the Aquarium, which really any kid will find entertaining and fun. When you enter the Aquarium, you can scan the QR code located at the visitor stand or if you would prefer to print out a copy for your visit, here is a map of the South Carolina Aquarium Exhibits.
The Educational Programs at the SC Aquarium
At the advice of the Aquarium’s public relations staff member, we timed our visit so we could see the Dive Into the G.O.T and Turtle Talk programs.
The Dive Into the G.O.T. was phenomenal! The G.O.T. stands for the Great Ocean Tank, which holds more than 350,000 gallons of water and is 42 feet deep. There is a diver inside the tank who does a question-and-answer session with an Aquarium staff member and then takes questions from the audience.
Diver at the SC Aquarium
We learned all kinds of cool things about how the volunteers and staff feed the animals in the tank, how they clean the tank, and ways to practice conservation on our own. The Turtle Talk was also amazing. The sea turtle care center is really neat and an active place where the sea turtles are taken when they are stranded or injured. Many are cared for and rehabilitated and then released back into the wild.
Sea turtle hospital at the SC Aquarium
There are also animal encounters throughout the day. We saw a couple of volunteers and staff offering guests the opportunity to pet a snake. My kids passed on that one unfortunately.
The staff we met were all so, so kind and helpful. They all seemed to really love their jobs and were happy to be working at the Aquarium. The passion they had for the animals and education about them was easy to see.
Also, to add on some more educational fun to your visit, consider doing one of these onsite activities at the Aquarium, which include scavenger hunts, discovery bins, and deeper dives into the exhibits that are grade-level appropriate – looking at you, homeschoolers.
Interacting with the Stingrays
I personally think stingrays are pretty cool and just beautiful to watch, although I’m terrified of accidentally stepping on one while wading on the shore. Yet, seeing them up close and learning about them is fascinating. All of the times I’ve ever seen them in touch tanks and aquariums, they have been very playful and fun.
Stingrays at the SC Aquarium
The ones at the SC Aquarium are no different. They have a huge tank to swim and play that overlooks the Charleston Harbor and it’s just gorgeous. The stingrays will come right up to the edge of the tank like puppies and basically beg for pets. It’s really adorable. They are a little slimy but once I got over that, I was all about it.
You can feed the ocean puppies for $5. I didn’t do that but I saw others who did and they looked like they were really enjoying the experience.
Trading Post at the SC Aquarium
I was really excited to see that the Aquarium has something called “The Trading Post”. If you’re familiar with the Nature Exchange at all at the Roper Mountain Science Center, this is a similar concept. You can bring in up to two natural items found in nature and earn points, which are redeemable for other cool things that the Aquarium has like shark teeth and pretty shells.
There are a few items that the Trading Post will not accept. This includes bird items (nest, egg, feathers), live animals, sea turtle bones, or anything else from an endangered species.
A great opportunity to find shells and fossils can be found with the Sandlapper Water Tours that launch right around the corner at the maritime center. You can go on a morning eco-tour and then head to the aquarium.
Visiting the South Carolina Aquarium
The Aquarium is located just minutes from downtown Charleston and right next to one of the places you can take a boat tour to Fort Sumter. The view from the deck is worth the experience alone!
You can purchase tickets in advance using the Aquarium’s dynamic ticketing system. Admission is determined by day of the week, school calendars, local events, weather, and holidays. You can see what the prices are for different days and purchase up to 60 days in advance.
There is an on-site gift shop as well as a snack bar, which is open 11 am – 3 pm daily. Parking is easy at the nearby Aquarium parking garage, which is $2/hour.
The Aquarium is open daily 9 am – last ticket sold at 3:30 pm and the building closes at 5 pm Closed Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day, closes at 1 pm on Christmas Eve.
Are you looking for a fun day trip for teenagers? Need a way to spend a day with your teen near Upstate, SC? These are a great way to spend some quality time exploring together or just having fun. Here’s our list of the 15 best day trips for teens & tweens near Greenville!
Hey dads! If you’re looking for great daddy-daughter events in Greenville, SC and the Upstate, we’ve got the list here. Most of these ideas are seasonal and happen around Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is approaching, which means mom and dad have a good chance to get away on their own, but it’s also a great reminder of the importance of dads and daughters having a special time together. Here are a few ideas for dads and daughters to hang out—no matter how old the daughters are.
(2024 dates are still being added so check back in a couple of weeks!)
For other times of the year, our list of 20 Parent/Kid Dates is full of a ton of ideas that are perfect for any season, budget, or family situation.
Upstate Daddy Daughter Events: Greenville, SC
Most daughters love spending time with their dads, and an activity together is a great way to do so. These are some local events for dads and their precious girls:
Head to the elegant Grand Holland Estate in Simpsonville for an evening of dancing and dinner. Tickets are $25/person and the event is geared for ages 3-13.
Grand Holland Estate 815 Holland Road, Simpsonville
The Annual Father/Daughter Date Night at Color Clay Cafe includes pottery painting, chocolate fondue, and beverages. RSVPs are required, and you can call the studio during business hours to reserve a table. The cost is a $12 studio fee that covers dad and daughter, and additional daughters are $3 plus the cost of their pottery.
Dads can bring their daughters to Tip Top Cake Shop in Easley for a night of sweet treats and fun. Tickets are $45/each dad/daughter and $10/each additional daughters. All ages are welcome.
Tip Top Cake Shop 601 Williams Avenue, Easley 864.850.2807
The Sweetheart Dance promises to be a night of fun and memories for dads and their daughters (ages 5+). The event will have lots of food, music, and dancing. Tickets are $60/couple and $30/each additional child.
Cleveland Park Event Center 141 N Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg
Great opportunity for dads to have a special night with their daughter(s), enjoy dinner, and have fun. Children ages 3-13 are admitted. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance at the Simpsonville Activity & Senior Center. Tickets cannot be purchased online or via phone and will not be sold at the door. If you have any questions, please email Special Events Coordinator Lisa Everidge at leveridge@simpsonville.com.
Simpsonville Activity Center 310 West Curtis Street, Simpsonville
February 9, 2024, at 6 and 7 pm and February 10, 2024,at 2 and 3 pm
Dads and Daughters can enjoy a special meal, beverage, and dessert along with activities at Steam Coffee & Cream. Reservations are required, and times can be reserved for an hour at the times above via this link. The cost is $30 for Dad/Daughter together and $10 for an additional daughter.
Steam Coffee & Cream 113 South Main Street, Fountain Inn
Join Once Upon a Dream Parties and Aiel, Rapunzel, and Aurora to celebrate the love between you and your daughter(s). The cost is $15/child and includes one adult. Please RSVP to attend by calling 864-421-2472.
This event in Fountain Inn will be held at the Fountain Inn Activity Center. The event will include dinner, dancing, a photo station, and more. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $25/person and include dinner and a photo and must be purchased in advance.
Fountain Inn Activity Center 600 Fairview Street, Fountain Inn
Join the International Ballet for the inaugural Swan Lake Children’s Ball, an evening dedicated to parents and their children that includes a DJ, raffles for prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing. Tickets are $30/person.
Greenville Country Club 239 Byrd Boulevard. Greenville
This dad-daughter dance and play date is happening at Palmetto Proper in Travelers Rest. Tickets include a play pass, a catered meal, and photo opportunities. Tickets are $30/child and $10/adult.
Palmetto Proper 164 S Main Street, Suite B, Travelers Rest
This fun event will be at the Lyman Event Center, 59 Groce Road, Lyman and guests are encouraged to wear white or neon to light up the night. Tickets are $40 per couple and $15 for each additional child. To purchase tickets, go to Lyman Town Hall at 81 Groce Road. The dance is open for all ages. Call 864.439.3453 for more info. Tickets include dinner, music, and dancing.
Friday, February 23, 2024 at Pickens Branch YMCA from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm Friday, March 1, 2024 at Powdersville Branch YMCA from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Tickets are $25/member and $25/non-member
Sponsored by the YMCA of Easley, Pickens, and Powdersville, this event includes desserts, photo opportunities, and lots of dancing!
The Church at the Mill is hosting a dad-daughter date night barn yard with dancing, food, and activities for dads with daughters in 1st-5th grades. Tickets are $15/person.
The Church at the Mill 2589 Ballenger Road, Wellford
Chic-Fil-A in Greer is hosting a Daddy-Daughter date night that is reservation only. There will be two seatings: one at 5:30 pm and 6:45 pm. Call for reservations: 864.848.5222.
Chic-Fil-A Greer 1379 W Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer
Family Date Nights
If you’re hoping to include the whole family or have a special mother-daughter or mother-son date, consider the following events.
Join Fork & Plough for a special dinner with your child. There will be a special kid-friendly menu alongside the restaurant’s normal menu. You can make reservations on the restaurant’s website.
Fork and Plough 1629 East North Street, Greenville 864.609.4249
Prepaid reservations are required at all times. Adult tickets (ages 12+ are $15.50) include two slices of pizza from Merrell’s Pizza, a sundae from our menu, or a create-your-own sundae with one sauce, one topping, whipped cream, and cherry, and your choice of a soft drink or bottled water. Child tickets (ages 1-11, $11.50) include one slice of pizza from Merrell’s Pizza, a kiddie scoop of custard with your choice of 1 topping, and your choice of a soft drink or bottled water. Children who do not need a seat or are not eating do not need a ticket. Tickets are not sold in the shop or by phone and are only available online.
Abbott’s Frozen Custard 119 E Poinsett Street, Greer
Other Activities for Daddy-Daughter Date Night: Greenville, SC
Theatre
If you’re looking for a fancy outing with a younger daughter, you might enjoy a SC Children’s Theatre performance of Pinkalicious: The Musical. And our Things to do with Teens in Greenville guide may help if you have a teen daughter.
Fun Playtime Together
Of course, the old standbys such as mini golf, bowling, and hiking can provide a lot of fun memories. Consider asking your daughter to pick an activity—she will likely have a great idea.
Dinner Date
Check out our Kids Eat Free options for a treat. If you’re looking for restaurants that are a little more upscale but still have kid-friendly fare, Southern Culture, and Tupelo Honey offer southern food that even picky eaters will enjoy. And Grill Marks’ combo of hamburgers and milkshakes is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Are you ready for the first Restaurant Week in Greenville, SC of 2024? There will never be a better time to support your Greenville restaurants than right now! The whole state of South Carolina will holds its annual Restaurant Week in January, and Greenville also holds a mini-Restaurant Week in August. The South Carolina Restaurant Week provides diners with the perfect opportunity to support locals and try something new.
The 2024 restaurant week lineup includes over two dozen restaurants in Greenville for you to try between January 11-21, 2024.
That’s a lot to choose from, so we will pick a few Upstate favorites and explain how to best take advantage of this special week for lovers of local restaurants.
